Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Linguine Recipe
If you are craving something bold, vibrant, and packed with flavor, then this Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Linguine Recipe is about to become your new favorite dinner. Imagine tender, juicy shrimp swimming in a luscious, fiery tomato sauce infused with garlic, red pepper flakes, and herbs, all perfectly tossed with silky linguine. Every bite offers an exciting blend of spice and savory richness, brightened with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. It’s a classic Italian seafood dish that delivers both comfort and a touch of heat, ideal for sharing with friends or treating yourself on a weeknight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the heart of this dish. Each element plays a vital role, whether it’s contributing to the sauce’s depth, adding a spicy kick, or balancing flavors with a hint of acidity. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this lively pasta dinner to life:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on): The star of the dish, providing sweet, tender seafood goodness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté shrimp, bringing richness and aiding in caramelization.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Added for the garlic and sauce base, ensuring a silky texture.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic depth and savory brightness.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: The perfect measure of heat, adjustable to your spice tolerance.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth): Adds acidity and complexity; broth is a great non-alcoholic swap.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes: Forms the rich and vibrant tomato sauce foundation.
- 1/4 cup tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity of tomatoes for a mellow sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an earthy, herbaceous note to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, fragrant herbal taste that rounds out the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Provides a fresh, green contrast in both flavor and presentation.
- Fresh lemon wedges (for serving): Adds a lively, citrusy burst that livens up each bite.
- 12 oz linguine pasta: The perfect pasta choice for holding the sauce and complementing the shrimp.
- Salt for the pasta water: To properly season your pasta from the start.
How to Make Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Linguine Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Shrimp
First things first, season your shrimp with salt and pepper to enhance their natural sweetness. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the shrimp. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until they turn a lovely pink and become opaque. This quick sear locks in their juicy texture. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside — we’ll bring them back later to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Step 2: Create the Spicy Garlic Base
In the same skillet, add 3 more tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, letting the garlic gently cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning, as you want that aromatic garlicky sweetness mingling with the spicy kick from the flakes.
Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer no alcohol), scraping the bottom of the skillet to release those tasty browned bits. Let the liquid simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly to concentrate flavor. Then, stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, and basil. Season generously with salt and fresh black pepper to taste. Bring it all to a simmer and allow it to cook for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency.
Step 4: Cook the Linguine
While your sauce indulgently simmers, boil salted water in a large pot. Cook the linguine according to package instructions, typically 8 to 10 minutes, until just al dente — tender but with a pleasant bite. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid is a secret weapon to perfect your sauce’s texture.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp, Sauce, and Pasta
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently stirring to coat them in the spicy tomato sauce, letting them warm through for an additional 2 minutes. If you find the sauce a bit too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency. Finally, add the linguine to the skillet, tossing everything together so the pasta is beautifully coated with the flavorful, fiery sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Divide the pasta and shrimp mixture into bowls. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve with lemon wedges on the side—the citrus adds a bright, zesty contrast that elevates every mouthful.
How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Linguine Recipe
Garnishes
A scattering of vibrant parsley always adds that fresh pop and subtle herbal note, while a few grinds of black pepper can boost aroma right at the table. Don’t skip the lemon wedges; a quick squeeze over the top brings a zing that balances out the spicy, rich sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian loaves are excellent companions as well, perfect for soaking up every last bit of that addictively spicy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in shallow bowls decorated with a few whole shrimp on top for a restaurant-quality look. For a fun twist, garnish with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for guests who love extra heat. You can also arrange the lemon wedges neatly on the side or create little lemon twists for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for a delicious second-day meal.
Freezing
This dish doesn’t freeze as well due to the delicate texture of the shrimp and pasta, which can become mushy when thawed. For best results, freeze the sauce separately without the shrimp or pasta if you want to prep ahead. Thaw the sauce and freshly cook shrimp and pasta when ready.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid reheating in the microwave for best texture preservation.
FAQs
Can I adjust the spice level in this Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Linguine Recipe?
Absolutely! The red pepper flakes provide the heat, so you can easily reduce or increase their amount based on your spice preference. If you want more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.
What can I substitute for white wine in this recipe?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth or vegetable broth are excellent substitutes that still add moisture and depth without overpowering the sauce.
Can I use other types of pasta besides linguine?
Definitely! While linguine is traditional and wonderful for capturing sauce, spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne make great alternatives, depending on what you have on hand.
Is it okay to use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry so they sear nicely instead of steaming. Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp will give you the best results.
How long does this dish take to prepare?
This Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Linguine Recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it an impressive yet quick option for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Linguine Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a special occasion but happens to be simple enough for any day of the week. The balanced heat, the succulent shrimp, and the rich, herbaceous sauce create a truly irresistible experience. I promise, once you make this, it will become a go-to recipe to share with family and friends over and over again. So grab those ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every spicy, saucy bite!
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Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Linguine Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Spicy Shrimp Fra Diavolo with Linguine is a vibrant Italian-American dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a zesty, garlicky tomato sauce with a kick of red pepper flakes. Served over perfectly al dente linguine, this flavorful seafood pasta is quick to prepare and ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Fra Diavolo Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth for non-alcoholic option)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- Salt for the pasta water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden brown, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth), scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Tomato Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens a bit.
- Cook Linguine: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Reheat Shrimp in Sauce: Add the cooked shrimp back into the sauce and stir to coat them well. Allow the shrimp to heat through for an additional 2 minutes.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Toss Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the shrimp and sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the spicy Fra Diavolo sauce.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among serving bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an added fresh citrus burst.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
- You can substitute the white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Use fresh parsley and lemon wedges for brightness and garnish just before serving.
- Ensure shrimp are not overcooked to keep them tender and juicy.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a light green salad and crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
